Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
09:16
Mixed Primary Cultures of Murine Small Intestine Intended for the Study of Gut Hormone Secretion and Live Cell Imaging of Enteroendocrine Cells
Published on: April 20, 2017
Intestinal microvilli: responses to feeding and fasting
European Journal of Cell Biology
|August 1, 1980
Summary
Researchers observed membrane-bound bodies forming from microvilli in hamster small intestine cells. Their presence is linked to feeding cycles, suggesting a role in active epithelial cell function.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Epithelial Cell Physiology
- Gastrointestinal Biology
Background:
- The small intestine's brush border, composed of microvilli, is crucial for nutrient absorption.
- Epithelial cells actively maintain their structure and function, but the mechanisms of membrane turnover are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the formation and characteristics of membrane-bound bodies originating from microvilli in hamster jejunal cells.
- To explore the relationship between membrane-body production and the feeding cycle.
- To determine the potential general significance of membrane-body formation in active epithelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic examination of jejunal cells from hamsters under different feeding conditions (fed ad libitum vs. fasted for 48 hours).
- Characterization of the morphology and glycocalyx of the observed membrane-bound bodies.
Main Results:
- Membrane-bound bodies, vesiculate structures retaining glycocalyx, are regularly released from microvilli.
- Animals fed ad libitum exhibited more membrane-bodies and taller microvilli compared to fasted animals.
- Membrane-bodies were also observed in non-digestive epithelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Membrane-body formation from microvilli is a regular process in hamster small intestine epithelium.
- The production of these bodies is associated with the feeding cycle.
- This process may play a general role in the functioning of active epithelial cells, beyond digestion.
More Related Videos
07:05Important Endpoints and Proliferative Markers to Assess Small Intestinal Injury and Adaptation using a Mouse Model of Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis
Published on: May 12, 2019
08:15Recapitulating Suckling-to-Weaning Transition In Vitro using Fetal Intestinal Organoids
Published on: November 15, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:26Glucose Absorption Into the Small Intestine
Complex carbohydrates consumed cannot be absorbed into the small intestine in their original form. First, they must be hydrolyzed to a monosaccharide form such as glucose or galactose. These monosaccharides are then transported across the intestinal membrane and into the blood via transcellular transport. The intestinal epithelial cells allow the movement of these monosaccharides with a defined 'entry' through membrane transporter proteins present on their apical membrane and 'exit' via the...
01:23Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the goblet,...
00:55Microvilli
Microvilli are tiny finger-like projections found on the surface of certain cells. Their purpose is to increase the surface area of the cell's apical surface, resulting in more effective absorption or secretion of substances.
These microvilli are predominantly present in cells lining the small intestine, kidney tubules, and certain cells in the respiratory and reproductive systems. By significantly expanding the surface area of the cell membrane, microvilli enhance the cell's capacity to...
These microvilli are predominantly present in cells lining the small intestine, kidney tubules, and certain cells in the respiratory and reproductive systems. By significantly expanding the surface area of the cell membrane, microvilli enhance the cell's capacity to...
01:27Histology of the Small Intestine
The small intestine exhibits a unique histological structure that significantly enhances its function in digestion and nutrient absorption. These structures include circular folds, villi, and various specialized cells that collectively facilitate the digestion of food.
The intestinal lining features transverse folds called circular folds, each housing fingerlike projections known as intestinal villi. These villi are covered by a layer of simple columnar epithelium, also referred to as...
The intestinal lining features transverse folds called circular folds, each housing fingerlike projections known as intestinal villi. These villi are covered by a layer of simple columnar epithelium, also referred to as...
01:25Carbohydrate Absorption
Carbohydrates are essential macronutrients that serve as the body's primary energy source. Their digestion begins in the mouth, where salivary amylase partially breaks down complex carbohydrates such as starch into smaller oligosaccharides. This mechanical and enzymatic activity prepares carbohydrates for further processing in the gastrointestinal tract.
After being swallowed, the partially digested carbohydrates mix with gastric secretions in the stomach. However, the acidic environment...
After being swallowed, the partially digested carbohydrates mix with gastric secretions in the stomach. However, the acidic environment...
01:27Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine
The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...